Canada Day - Fête du Canada 2018

12 July 2018

July 1st is Canada Day - the official national day of Canada! Canadians across the country and around the world celebrate their history, their many cultures and their country's achievements, with cultural celebrations, music, fireworks, bar-b-qs (the equivalent of a South African braai!) and much more.

The High Commission of Canada in South Africa hosted Canada Day early this year on June 14th, 2018 with a brunch and jazz at the Official Residence of the High Commissioner, H.E. Sandra McCardell.

The High Commission was honoured to have two esteemed and internationally recognized artists perform beautiful versions of the national anthems: Ms. Deborah Cox sang the Canadian anthem and Ms. Yvonne Chaka Chaka, the Princess of Africa, sang the South African anthem.

Dr. Magasela, Special Advisor to Minister of Women, delivered remarks on behalf of the Government of South Africa and echoed many of the highlights in Canada-South Africa relations noted by High Commissioner McCardell. They spoke about Nelson Mandela's centenary and his special relationship with Canada: Mr. Mandela was the first living person in Canadian history to receive honourary Canadian citizenship for his efforts to promote peace and justice in his home country and around the world.

They also spoke of Canada's recent hosting of the G7 Summit, and the pleasure of welcoming President Ramaphosa to the G7. They highlighted shared global priorities for Canada and South Africa: gender equality, multilateralism and the rules-based international order, diversity, peace and security and inclusive economic growth. For Canadians, July 1st is an occasion to celebrate the many cultures and traditions of Canadians from coast to coast to coast: including the Indigenous peoples of Canada, the Francophone and Anglophone communities, and the many many cultures and traditions of citizens of Canada who have immigrated from countries around the world and who now call Canada home.

Speaking about Canada Day celebrations, High Commissioner McCardell said: "Multiculturalism and diversity are truly at the heart of our heritage and identity – and as Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau has emphasized on numerous occasions, we recognize that our differences make us stronger. Nelson Mandela’s vision of a diverse and inclusive nation therefore resonates strongly within Canadian society and our efforts to protect our ‎diversity.”